Like all types of fitness equipment, rowing machines have become much "smarter" over the years. Thanks to advances in technology, rowers now come equipped with Bluetooth compatibility, smoother-than-ever resistance, and thousands of on-demand workouts.
The CITYROW GO Max and the Hydrow are two rowers that perfectly exemplify “smart” functionality. Both rowers come with tons of cool features, and although neither is considered to be budget-friendly, they're both well worth the investment.
So which one is right for you? Find out in this complete comparison guide of the CITYROW vs Hydrow rowing machines.
- Quick Comparison Of The CITYROW GO Max Vs Hydrow
- Overview Of The CITYROW GO Max Rowing Machine
- Pros & Cons Of The Popular CITYROW GO Max
- Overview Of The Hydrow Rowing Machine
- Pros & Cons Of The Popular Hydrow
- CITYROW GO Max Vs Hydrow: Which Rower Is Best For Home Gyms?
- Comparing Features Of The Cityrow Vs Hydrow
- People Also Ask (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Quick Comparison Of The CITYROW GO Max Vs Hydrow
We’ll cover each of the features in-depth later on, but if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick comparison of the winning machine for each feature of the CITYROW vs Hydrow:
Feature | Cityrow Go Max | Hydrow |
Footprint & Storage | Cell | |
Rowing Experience | Cell | |
Weight & Height Capacity | Cell | |
Aesthetics & Build Quality | Cell | |
Integrated Tech Features | Cell | |
Performance Monitoring | Cell | |
Ease of Assembly | Cell | |
Purchase Price & Ongoing Costs | Cell |
Overview Of The CITYROW GO Max Rowing Machine
CITYROW is all about "revolutionizing at-home rowing," and that's exactly what this brand has accomplished. In addition to high-quality machines that are nice to look at, CITYROW makes it easy to join classes, track fitness goals, and measure performance with its sophisticated tech integrations.
Unlike the Hydrow machine, which uses electromagnetic resistance, the GO Max Rower uses water-resistance technology to simulate a realistic rowing motion. It comes equipped with a high-tech 19.5” touchscreen where you can access a variety of classes for any fitness level and multiple workout durations.
In addition to a large touchscreen, this rower is built with Bluetooth connectivity for all your enabled devices, and it even has high fidelity speakers for improved audio. All in all, this is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a smart rowing machine.
Pros & Cons Of The Popular CITYROW GO Max
In terms of tech features, it’s hard to beat the CITYROW, but the rower is by no means perfect. Here’s a complete list of the good as well as the bad:
What We Like
What We Didn’t Like
Overview Of The Hydrow Rowing Machine
- Work more muscles in less time. The Origin...
- Get a Membership, then get started. For just...
- Get personalized workout recommendations....
- Escape into every workout. The Origin’s...
Hydrow is a well-known name in the rowing industry, mainly because the Hydrow company designed its world-class rower to work for anyone at any fitness level. Although it doesn’t fit every budget, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for an advanced rowing machine with lots of tech integration and smart functionality.
According to Hydrow, this machine “brings the outdoors into your home with immersive, full-body live and on-demand workouts.”
Aside from the interactive workouts, Hydrow users love that this machine targets 86% of your muscles with its electromagnetic resistance system, which is almost twice the engagement of biking, running, and other forms of cardio.
The Hydrow rower is sleek and stylish, and it's designed to look good in any room, even if that room isn't necessarily a designated gym space. The workouts are engaging and interactive, and they can be accessed through a Hydrow subscription, which connects users to workouts filmed on stunning waterways and scenic locations around the world.
Pros & Cons Of The Popular Hydrow
There are both good and bad aspects of the Hydrow, like the fact that this is one of the most expensive rowers on a budget. Even though the workouts are designed for everyone, the price tag is not.
Here’s a full breakdown of the Hydrow pros vs cons:
What We Like
What We Didn’t Like
CITYROW GO Max Vs Hydrow: Which Rower Is Best For Home Gyms?
In order to determine which machine is right for you, you have to think about all of the important considerations for buying a rower. That includes dimensions, storage, comfort, weight and height limitations, aesthetics, tech features, assembly, maintenance, cost… this list could go on for a while, but these are the considerations we'll be focusing on to compare CITYROW vs Hydrow.
Footprint & Storage Features
Neither of these rowers can be described as “compact” since they require a long steel seat rail to simulate a real-life rowing motion. Both machines are about 7 feet long and 2 feet wide, so you’ll definitely want to check the dimensions with your available square footage to make sure the machine fits.
Although neither the Hydrow nor the CITYROW has a small footprint while in use, they both feature a storage-friendly design that allows these rowers to fold up. The Hydrow can be stored vertically against a wall, but it, unfortunately, requires a special kit to store the machine upright. This kit costs about $70, so if you want to store it vertically, you’ll have to pay extra.
The CITYROW GO Max has a foldable design that stores in less space than an end table and goes from in use to away in less than 20 seconds. Another great thing about the GO Max is that it’s significantly lighter than the Hydrow. Without water, it weighs just 75 pounds compared to Hydrow’s 145-pound design.
Comfortable & Realistic Rowing Experience
The Hydrow rower uses an electromagnetic resistance system to create "drag" that replicates the drag you'd feel against the paddles while rowing a boat. As a result, it's extremely smooth, and it utilizes a patented technology that you won't find with any other rower.
Although we love the feeling of the Hydrow’s rowing motion, the CITYROW’s water resistance system is more realistic than magnetic resistance in terms of rowing experience. This all has to do with the flywheel moving through water; instead of using electromagnetic resistance, the flywheel is in a water tank, so you’ll even hear the same swooshing sound you’d hear while rowing a boat.
Comfort-wise, both machines score lots of points. They're ergonomically designed to fit most people, and they both feature adjustable foot straps, oversized ergonomic seats, and comfy hand grips.
Weight & Height Capacity
Both the CITYROW and Hydrow have a respectable maximum user weight limitation of 375 pounds, but in terms of height capacity, the GO Max rower is the winner.
This machine supports a maximum inseam of 39", so basically, anyone of any height can use it comfortably.
While the 36” inseam limit of the Hydrow rower may seem like a significant difference, it’s still perfectly capable of accommodating tall individuals.
After browsing through tons of reviews, there have been no complaints regarding height limitations, even from people over 6’4”.
Aesthetics & Build Quality
In terms of color scheme, these rowers are practically identical. Both the CITYROW and Hydrow machines are primarily black with silver accents throughout, and they both only come in one color option.
The good news is that both rowers are stunning, and both are built with high-quality materials that are durable and likely to last. Many people love that the Hydrow’s frame is built around the internal mechanisms, which means that the resistance system isn’t visible to the eye; it’s enclosed in the sturdy, stylish aluminum casing with black and silver accents.
Unlike the Hydrow, the CITYROW's flywheel is completely visible. The flywheel is a large drum filled with water, and although it's still nice to look at, it's not everyone's cup of tea in terms of design. If you prefer a hidden flywheel encased in a sleek frame, then the Hydrow rower is your winner.
Integrated Tech Features & Workouts
These rowers are neck and neck when it comes to the technology they use. They both come with large touchscreens, although the Hydrow’s is 22” compared to the CITYROW’s 19.5” screen. They both have Bluetooth compatibility, impressive audio, and compatible apps with on-demand workouts.
The main difference between the CITYROW GO Max vs Hydrow rowers is the style of workouts you’ll be able to access. While the CITYROW app subscription gives you access to a large library of on-demand instructor-led workouts, Hydrow has designed its workouts to simulate rowing on water.
For most Hydrow workouts, your instructors are actually offering guidance from inside a boat, on the water. If you select a live workout, they’ll be rowing in real-time, and you’ll even be able to hear birds, see dolphins, and experience the water as if you’re actually on it.
So even though there’s nothing bad to be said about CITYROW’s workout variety, except for the fact that there are currently no live classes being offered, many people prefer the Hydrow collection of workouts because they offer a more realistic experience.
Ease Of Assembly
With the Hydrow, there's minimum assembly required, but due to the machine's heavy weight, it's best to have someone help you put it together. Assembly shouldn't take more than an hour, and thanks to the clear instructions, it’s pretty easy to do. Once everything is put together, just follow the on-screen prompts to create or log in to your account and agree to the terms of service.
Unlike most rowers, the CITYROW comes fully assembled upon delivery. It will be in the box in its folded position, so all you have to do is unfold it, fill the flywheel with water, and you’re ready to go. You will need to set up your subscription and go through a few touch screen prompts to fully activate the machine, but that’s it.
Purchase Price & Ongoing Costs
The Hydrow and CITYROW rowers are both considered high-end machines, and their price tags reflect that. The official price from Hydrow is $2295, and CITYROW’s price is just $100 cheaper at $2195. Luckily, you can often find both machines on sale, no matter if you make your purchase directly from the manufacturer or buy it from a retailer like Amazon or Walmart.
You’ll also have to factor in the ongoing costs associated with both rowers. To access the live and on-demand workouts on the Hydrow’s touchscreen, you will need to sign up for their paid monthly membership, which is $38/month. Each membership includes unlimited user profiles, so you won’t have to pay more for multiple users.
For the GO Max, you get a 2-week free trial, but after that, the CITYROW subscription is $29/month or $289/year.
Comparing Features Of The Cityrow Vs Hydrow
Specification | City Row Go Max | Hydrow |
Dimensions | 85”L x 22.25”W x 45.25”H | 86”L x 25”W x 47”H |
Weight | 75 lbs (without water) | 145 lbs |
Frame Material | Aluminum + wood | Aluminum + steel |
Weight Capacity | 375 lbs | 375 lbs |
Resistance Type | Water | Digital + electromagnetic |
Resistance Levels | Unlimited | Up to 300 “drag” settings |
Display | 19.5” touchscreen | 22” touchscreen |
Heart Rate Monitor | Bluetooth 5.0-enabled for heart rate monitoring | Bluetooth 5.0-enabled for heart rate monitoring |
Interactive Training | On-demand studio workouts | On-water workouts |
Warranty | Frame: 5 years Parts: 3 years Electronics: 1 year | Frame: 5 years Parts: 1 year |
Price | $2195 + monthly fees (but often on sale) | $2295 + monthly fees (but often on sale) |
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Who makes the CITYROW GO rower?
The main mechanisms (like the water flywheel) of this rowing machine are made by WaterRower, a company that’s well respected in the fitness industry. Unlike the GO Max, most WaterRower machines are constructed almost entirely of wood, so if you’re more interested in the aesthetics of a wooden rower, check out our complete WaterRower review.
Who makes the Hydrow rower?
The Hydrow rower is made by none other than the Hydrow company. It was founded in 2017 by Bruce Smith, a former USA Rowing national team coach.
Can you use a CITYROW GO rower without a subscription?
No. The CITYROW’s support page says that
“While the CITYROW GO Classic can be used without a CITYROW GO subscription, the CITYROW GO Max cannot currently be used without a subscription...The Max touchscreen tablet does require a CITYROW GO subscription to function; no other content or apps can be streamed or displayed on the Max tablet.”
If you want to use a CITYROW machine but don’t want to deal with subscriptions, we’d suggest checking out the CITYROW GO Classic.
Can you use Hydrow without the app subscription?
Technically, yes, but without a Hydrow subscription, the machine will only work in Just Row mode. That means you won’t have access to any live or on-demand workouts, playlists, or even stored records and stats of your progress.
For that reason, it’s highly recommended that you purchase the Hydrow app. If you choose not to, you’re basically foregoing all of the smart functions of the machine, and in that case, you’d be better off choosing a budget-friendly rower instead.
Conclusion
Both rowers come with excellent tech features, so deciding on the winner between CITYROW GO Max vs Hydrow is tricky. Since the tech integration, ride smoothness, sturdiness, and costs of both rowers are similar, the one you choose ultimately comes down to whether you prefer water resistance or digital resistance.
If you like the realistic rowing motion that comes along with a water resistance system, the CITYROW GO Max is the better choice for you.
However, some people prefer digital electromagnetic resistance for its convenience and ease of use, so if that’s the case for you, we suggest going with the Hydrow rowing machine, especially if you like the idea of streaming on-water workouts from around the world.
Last Updated on December 29, 2025
